Current News & Events

Current News and Events: GW Institute for Brain Health and Dementia​​​​​

  • GW University Seminar Series - Digitizing Driving as a Marker for Preclinical Alzheimer’s Disease 
    • Dr. Ganesh M. Babulal, an Assistant Professor in the Department of Neurology within Washington University's School of Medicine discussed investigating the relationship between cognitive function and mental health and its impact on the daily living activities of those with chronic neurological diseases. His specific research projects include characterizing functional changes in older adults using Alzheimer’s disease biomarkers, predicting global decline in aging using neurobehavioral markers, assessing how social forces (e.g. discrimination, chronic stress, racism) influence health and well-being among racial and ethnic minorities, and developing/validating effective educational programs to improve and prolong functional outcomes in aging.

 

  • GW University Seminar Series - Cognitive-motor assessment of early cognitive decline 
    • Dr. Keith Cole, an Assistant Professor of the George Washington University’s Doctor of Physical Therapy Program discussed his overall research goal to improve movement dysfunction and community participation for those with falls risk and following neuromuscular compromise. He does this by investigating different afferent systems’ contributions to movement accuracy. His current research looks at movement during a cognitive load (Dual-Tasking), vestibular dysfunction and exercise dosage, and lower extremity muscle neurophysiology.

 

  • GW University Seminar Series - Are Pooled Studies Greater Than the Sum of Their Parts?
    • Dr. Deborah Levine, a Professor of Medicine in the Departments of Internal Medicine and Neurology at the University of Michigan's Medical School, and a practicing physician discussed her research that aims to improve the prevention of dementia and stroke, increase health equity, and impact public policy. Her primary research interests are vascular cognitive impairment and the quality of cardiovascular disease care.

 

  • GW University Seminar Series - Yoga improves balance, mobility, and return to occupations 
    • Dr. Jaclyn Stephens, an Assistant Professor of Occupational Therapy at Colorado State University discussed her research on evaluating adolescents and adults with a sports-related concussion and more severe forms of traumatic brain injury using behavioral measures and neuroimaging techniques, like electroencephalography, functional near-infrared spectroscopy, and functional magnetic resonance imaging. Specifically, she seeks to better understand the neural physiology of head injury, create innovative behavioral measures for return-to-play evaluations, and evaluate brain-behavior changes that are elicited from intervention, like yoga.

 

  • GW University Seminar Series - Clinical Phenotypes and Pathological Substrates of Post-Traumatic Neurodegeneration: A Multiple Etiology Dementia
    • Dr. Kristen Dams-O'Connor, Director of the Brain Injury Research Center of Mount Sinai, discussed her research in outcomes for patients experiencing traumatic brain injuries (TBI) along with clinical indicators of complications such as chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) and traumatic encephalopathy syndrome (TES). Dr. Dams-O'Connor discussed differences in outcomes and prognosis between repeated vs. isolated brain injuries, and disputed some previously-accepted claims. She reviewed clinical diagnostic criteria for these conditions, and related this research to women experiencing intimate partner violence who experience brain injuries.

 

  • GW University Seminar Series - Racial Identity and Neuropsychological Function in Former College and Professional American Football Athletes
    • Dr. Robert Turner, Assistant Professor of Clinical Research and Leadership at GW's School of Medicine and Health Sciences, discussed his NIH funded research project which explores chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) in past football players. Dr. Turner shared his work in comparing psychomotor, memory, and learning function in Black and White participants. He specifically reviewed neuropsychological test performance disparities.

 

  • January Monthly Meeting
    • January 13, 2023
    • This month, Institute members reflected on and celebrated accomplishments since the beginning of the institute, including over 260 peer-reviewed publications authored by our faculty members and 81 externally funded grants. Welcome new faculty member, Dr. Emma Stapp! 

 

  • December Monthly Meeting 
    • December 9, 2022
    • This month, Dr. Albert Garcia-Romeu from Johns Hopkins University presented his work regarding psychedelics as treatment for mood disorders in those with Alzheimer's Dementia. Specifically, Dr. Garcia-Romeu discussed the use of Psilocybin and its potential to treat addiction, anxiety, and depression. He is currently recruiting participants diagnosed with early Alzheimer's Dementia or MCI who have depressed mood to participate in a study using Psilocybin as treatment, with the goal of reducing depression and improving quality of life. 

 

  • November Monthly Meeting 
    • November 11, 2022
    • This month, we heard from Dr. DiPietro, who reviewed the Appointments, Promotions, and Tenure process for faculty here at GW! She discussed the general timeline, criteria, and elements involved. Congratulations to our members who shared good news about grant updates and awards! 

 

  • Careers in Brain Health and Aging: Research, Policy, & Advocacy - Lunch N' Learn Event 
    • October 26, 12 - 1 pm
    • Carolyn Ward, MSPH, from the Georgetown Brain Bank and GUMC Memory Disorders Program discussed her career path, her work in brain health, and answered student questions.
    • Virtual lunch with Carolyn Ward-1.png

 

  • October Monthly Meeting 
    • October 14, 2022
    • This month, two new faculty members, Dr. Diao and Dr. Freed shared their work and research. Dr. Diao's research interests include semiparametric and robust modeling, missing data problems, multivariate outcome data analysis, diagnostic testing, high-dimensional data analysis, and the application of these methods to ADRD. Dr. Freed's research focuses on the effects of policy and care delivery on the aging experience and access to care for older adults, with a specific focus on Medicare and long term care. 

 

  • Walk to End Alzheimer's Event
    • October 8, 2022
    • The Institute put together a team to participate in the Alzheimer's Association's Walk to End Alzheimer's 

 

  • September Monthly Meeting
    • September 9, 2022
    • This month, prospective member Dr. Marvar gave a presentation on Cardiovascular Behavioral Health and Disease.